Curated OER
Vocabulary Instructional Routine: Identify and Sort Common Objects into Categories
Kindergarteners build vocabulary by learning about categorization. They discuss the attributes of living and non-living things. As a class, they view and sort pictures into each category. They discuss the word category and what it means.
Curated OER
Science: Teddy Bear Nation
Young scholars sort teddy bears according to types and then graph the results. They each bring a bear to class and then discuss their similarities and differences. Once the bears have been sorted into groups according to size and color,...
Curated OER
Science: How to Identify Insects
First graders discover how to distinguish spiders from insects by understanding the characteristics of each. They sort online picture pages into the two groups and examine the insects for common attributes. Students complete a worksheet...
Curated OER
Hardware Sort
Students classify various hardware items using the attributes of the objects. In this classification instructional activity, students group objects based on their attributes and explain their classification key.
Captain Planet Foundation
Sorting Out Soils
Sift through soil and learn about why it's important for organic processes. After discussing what makes up soil, such as the living organisms and what types of soil have more nutrients, kids sample layers of mulch and deeper soil to...
Curated OER
Investigation: Reasoning and Proof
Students explore animal characteristics by creating illustrations. In this animal identification lesson, students read a list of animal descriptions which they draw using crayons or colored pencils. Students view their drawings and...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Acids and Bases
Young scholars explore acids and bases. In this lesson about acids and bases, students do an experiment to test certain items to determine what they are. Young scholars use cabbage and litmus paper as indicators. Students understand how...
Curated OER
Sorting and Using Materials
Students explore materials and their properties. In this matter lesson, students identify objects and describe their properties. Students test and sort materials using an interactive whiteboard, followed by a group discussion of what was...
Curated OER
Sorting Objects
First graders experiment with sorting. In this sorting lesson, 1st graders separate objects according to one attribute: smooth, rough, hard or soft.
EngageNY
Structuring The Search: Categorizing Our Research
What can you contribute? Scholars read text to determine how ants contribute to the rainforest. First, they categorize and sort facts gathered from reading. Next, readers focus on specific terms in each paragraphs of the text Ants by...
Curated OER
All Sorts of Seeds!
First graders compare seeds and explore how they are carried through the environment.
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Fill the Bill
A hummingbird isn't the only bird with a unique beak. After a discussion about the specific characteristics of bird beaks, pupils complete a station rotation and use different tools to simulate the function of different beaks. They...
Curated OER
Sorting
Students sort a variety of manipulatives and use a software program that provides more sorting practice.
Curated OER
Seeds in Fall...Collect Them All!
Classify seeds by attributes such as size, shape and color! Learners classify seeds using a dichotomous key. They identify human behaviors that have a positive impact on preserving seed and plant biodiversity.
MENSA Education & Research Foundation
Kingdom Animalia: Classifying Animals
Six lessons, extension activities, and an assessment make up a series of lessons curated to reinforce the concept of classifying animals. Each informative and interactive activity attributes to the knowledge of the seven levels of...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Sorting Buttons
Students demonstrate how to sort buttons by attributes. In this classification lesson, students are given buttons and are asked to sort them independently by their attributes. Additionally, students are given one extra button after they...
Curated OER
Harriet's Halloween Sort
Students listen to the book, Harriet's Halloween Candy, and discuss the many ways Harriet sorted the candy from her trick-or-treat bag. They sort and classify individually wrapped candy.
Curated OER
Classification and Attributes
Students classify objects based on their attributes. They explain how archaeologists use classification to help answer research questions.
Curated OER
What is a bird?
Students sort birds by their physical characteristics. In this bird characteristics lesson, students review bird characteristics and create beaks. Students discuss birds as pets.
Curated OER
Animal Coverings
Students read a book. In this animal characteristics lesson, students read the book Animal Coverings, answer comprehension questions, and complete a chart where they match animals with their coverings.
Curated OER
Decidedly Different
Fifth graders inquire as to why scientists use observable characteristics, how they sort the characteristics, and why they do so. They write journal entries to be used throughout this unit.
Curated OER
Learning by Sorting
Students sort Lego Duplo pieces after determining the attributes to classify them by. They work in pairs to sort a group of Duplo pieces and explain their process to others.
Curated OER
Look At Those Leaves!
Learners collect, measure and classify leaves. In this inquiry-based sorting and classifying lesson, students look at various types of leaves they have collected and measure them using a standard unit of measurement. Next, they relate...
Curated OER
Look at Those Leaves!
Students observe leaves in hands-on ways. As they observe attributes, they will group the leaves according to these attributes and consider any patterns they see emerge. In addition, they will communicate what they have learned about...